At the Constitutional Convention, Federalists and Anti-Federalists presented contrasting views on the merits of a strong central government. Federalists, such as Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, argued that a robust central government was crucial for maintaining order, managing interstate relations, and promoting economic stability. They believed that a well-structured national framework could prevent tyranny and disorder, as it would provide a system of checks and balances among branches of government, thereby safeguarding individual rights. Conversely, Anti-Federalists like Patrick Henry and George Mason expressed deep concerns over the potential for such a government to become too powerful and encroach on the liberties of the states and their citizens. They feared that a strong central authority could lead to the erosion of individual rights and the dominance of a distant elite, arguing instead for a weaker federal structure that would preserve state sovereignty and protect against tyranny. This fundamental debate highlighted the tension between the need for effective governance and the imperative to safeguard liberty, illustrating the complexities in crafting a constitution that both empowered and restrained central authority.
In a paragraph, compare and contrast the arguments made by the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists at the Constitutional Convention about the benefits and problems of a strong central government
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